It was Ike Maier’s day.
 
The Tottenham, Ontario racer qualified his 1963 Corvette Pro Modified number one for the PMRA season opener, and stayed on top during the weekend to win his first PMRA event.
 
“We finally won something,” said Maier after his win. “But I have to thank the team. I just get in and drive.”

Victoria Day Challenge first win for Maier Motorsports Corvette Pro Modified
 
It was Ike Maier’s day.
 
The Tottenham, Ontario racer qualified his 1963 Corvette Pro Modified number one for the PMRA season opener, and stayed on top during the weekend to win his first PMRA event.
 
“We finally won something,” said Maier after his win. “But I have to thank the team. I just get in and drive.”
 
Maier was pitted against Jack Grainy of North Tonawanda, New York, in the final, and although Grainy cut a better light, his 1967 Camaro suffered tire shake and he had to let off. Maier’s final was a 6.158-second, 230.49-mph run against the 7.435-second, 141.42-mph clocking of Grainy, who qualified second in the eight-car field.
 
“I certainly have to thank Kirk (team crew chief Kirk Silbermann) and Carl (Spiering of ERD). I wouldn’t be here without them.”
 
The semi-finals pitted Maier against Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario. Maier eliminated fifth qualifier Boland in B&B Racing 1967 Nova with a 6.151-second, 230.72-mph pass over Boland’s losing 6.796-second, 171.05 mph effort. Although Boland’s .155-second reaction time was quicker than Maier’s .281-second reaction time, Maier had the power to get the job done.
 
And in one of the tightest races of the day, Grainy ran a 6.398-second, 225.45-mph clocking over Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, Ontario with a 6.455-second, 219.33-mph pass. Boniferro, in the Smokin’ Joe’s 1999 Avenger cut a .034-second light while Grainy cut a slower .082 light, but Grainy powered past him for the win.
 
In first round action, Maier eliminated number eight qualifier Mark Nielsen of Brantford, Ontario, in his 1968 Camaro, and Boland took out Gary Irving of Toronto, Ontario, in the Al Hinds 2004 Corvette. Grainy disposed of number seven qualifier Eric Latino of Scarborough, Ontario, with his 1938 Chevy, and Dave Earhart of Strathroy, Ontario, in his 2002 Camaro fell victim to Boniferro.

Advertisement